Facebook
BEST Yoga Pants with Phone Pockets for Women Over Fifty

BEST Yoga Pants with Phone Pockets for Women Over Fifty

by | HEALTH & EXERCISE, RECOMMENDATIONS

BEST Yoga Pants with Phone Pockets for Women Over Fifty

Hey you amazing, strong women!

I’m so excited to share these yoga pants with phone pockets with you as my very first product recommendation. I. Love. These. Pants!

So why, out of the blue, am I suddenly sounding like a product rep for yoga pants? Well, I have recently decided to start writing Amazon product recommendations for products that I’ve purchased and love. I buy a lot of products, and because I do, I’ve discovered a lot of products I absolutely love. I don’t want to be pushy, but I really feel like other women my age might really love them too.

So I decided to start sharing them with you by writing product recommendations for some of my favorites, and this one is my first.

I know you all are probably just as busy as I am, so I opted out of writing the traditional ‘product review’ (rating the product by pointing out good and bad) to keep from wasting your time, and will be going straight to the “oh my god this is the coolest thing EVER!” ‘recommendation’ post. I’ll still continue writing regular blog posts, and have a backlog of them to post. I don’t want you to think that my ADD has kicked in and I’m jumping ship here.

Short and Sweet

If you know me, even barely know me, you know that on rare occasions I may have a tendency to get just a little bit wordy. So when I do my recommendations, I’m going to try to keep things short and sweet. K?

Also, although it’s posted several places on my site, I just want to make sure you’re aware that I’m an Amazon Associate, so if you should purchase any product I recommend through a link to Amazon, I will make a small commission. And to be clear, my commission doesn’t raise your purchase cost of the product.

Okay. Let’s Get Started!

Like I said above, I’m going to try to edit myself and keep things short and sweet, which means I need to cut down on my narratives.

I’ve added notes with the images. The images will give you a good idea of what these look like in real life, and be sure to watch the video at the end that will give you a good idea of  the stretch and closer look of the fabric.

Wide Waistband.

No Rolling!

The wide waistband keeps it from rolling when you bend over (I hate that!), and it’s just snug enough to help keep your tummy flattened out.

Flattering Fit.

They're Very Forgiving.

I’ve had these pants for about two years. I wear them a LOT. I’ve gained and lost weight, as most of us do, and they still have the same hold & stretch as when I got them.

Comfortable.

Not Just For Exercise.

I’m not kidding when I say these are comfy. I put a cute top and some flip flops with these and wear them for everyday use.

Well Made.

Durable Construction

I love the stitching pattern on these. The stitching has not frayed in the least…anywhere! There is no thinning in the fabric, no tears, and no snags.

Hold Their Shape

Stretchy, but Don't Get Baggy.

These pants s-t-r-e-t-c-h like crazy, but they go right back to their shape. Washing, drying, me growing, then shrinking, and still they maintain their shape.

Phone Pockets

Deep, Secure Pockets

The large pockets will accommodate all size phones. They stretch to allow your whole hand to get your phone in and out, and deep enough that your phone is secure.

So in summary, in case I wasn’t clear, I highly recommend these. They’re one of my very favorite purchases. I also have the same ones, same pattern, in the capris.

You should get some! We’d be twins.

Send pictures and I’ll add them to this post! (I’m totally serious).

Please Note: Women Over Fifty Network is an authorized Amazon affiliate. This means that I may get a small commission on qualified products that you purchase through my link. My commission is based on the product’s listed purchase price, and is not an extra cost to you.

 Quick Note…

I just pulled up my past orders on Amazon, and these are the exact pants I bought. I bought them on June 8, 2020.

I’ve worn them for four years, not two as I had said above. All of the pictures for this blog post are current…taken about two months ago.

It’s pretty amazing if you look at the pictures of my 4-yr-old pants, and then click the green button to see the brand new ones on Amazon. When you compare them, I’d say these babies have held up pretty darn well!

Thank you for reading my product recommendation. Watch for new blog posts that I’ll be posting soon, as well as new recommendations of my latest purchases. Oh, and did I mention I love gadgets? Prepare yourself. My hubby calls me the ‘gadget queen’.

To see a few of the products I’ve used that I’ve deemed sharable, take a little look-see through my store. I add to it frequently!

 

You might also like these…

Guide For New Keto OS Users: Things I Didn’t Know That I Want You To

Guide For New Keto OS Users: Things I Didn’t Know That I Want You To

by | KETONES, MIND & BODY

Guide For New Keto OS Users: Things I Didn’t Know That I Want You To

Yay You for Choosing to Optimize your Body with Keto OS!

When I started drinking ketones, I was a little bit in the dark as to when to take them, how to take them, and what to expect. So I want to make sure that my peeps are better informed. In case you missed the video explaining how ketones work in your body and what they do for it,  this video does a way better job explaining it than I ever could. It’s only 4 minutes. Click the arrow and give it a watch.

When and How To Drink Ketones Plus Other Info

Read the Keto OS Hacker’s Guide below. Pay attention to the part about starting out with 1/2 packet. Some people do fine with a full packet and have no problems. Others may have the kind of body, like mine, that has to question every little thing that’s introduced to it. It’s not uncommon to experience one of the below reactions when first starting ketones. They only last until your body adjusts. Usually you won’t be bothered by any of them:
  • Slight headache
  • Slight stomach cramping or gas
  • Loose bowels
I sometimes get a slight headache, which reminds me that I’m dehydrated (I suck at remembering my water intake). Drinking a glass of water takes it away almost immediately. Drinking ketones doesn’t replace your normal water intake. Water, Water Water. Something else that works for any symptoms you might have is adding a little Pink Himalayan Sea Salt to your ketone drink. The salt will also calm down your drink if the flavor you’re drinking seems too sweet.
Keto User Guide

Blender Bottles and Ketosis Test Strips on Amazon

Here are some Links on Amazon to dip sticks and blender bottles. I got the ones below and i love the bottles because they don’t leak when you shake them. I love their little loop for carrying. For your convenience, I put the links below. If you order them, since I’m an Amazon Associate, I’ll get a teeny little commission (which doesn’t raise your price or affect your cost in any way).

You can find blender bottles pretty much anywhere – but be sure to get the ones with the little spring-looking thing in them that bounces around when you shake the bottle and help with blending.

I couldn’t find the dip strips in stores, but I didn’t look very hard either. I just ordered both mine through Amazon because they were a good price and I’m a little lazy.

Be Sure To Keep Your Account On Smart Ship. Here’s Why.

I know you’ve heard me preach about setting your orders on SmartShip – the below guides show the reason I do that. I hate ordering anything at full price, and always having your account set for SmartShip gives you a 22% discount with every order. (If you’re ordering any of the Keto Max flavors, that amounts to a savings of around $30). Plus, if your orders are set to SmartShip, your fourth order is FREE. Check out the breakdowns below. IMPORTANT: Log into the Pruvit account you created when you ordered your ketones. Click on the  ‘Manage Smartship’ tab across the top. Make sure your account is set to Smartship. If it’s not, you’ll be paying full price for your next order and won’t get your 4th order free.
Smart Ship Explained

Blogging About Ketones, the Keto-ish Diet & Ketosis

I’ll be writing more about  ketones, the ketogenic diet, and ketosis as I learn more about them myself. I’ll let you know when new flavors are introduced, and will inform you when flash sales are coming (where prices are cut drastically for one day only). Did you know that you can get ketones in your body in other ways besides just mixing them with water or adding them to your coffee? I’ll be sharing recipes you can make using your ketones that are seriously awesome. Below is a blog post I wrote about ketones on my website “Women Over Fifty Network”.  If you’d like to see more posts like these, just subscribe to my website using the form at the bottom of this page.

Are You Struggling to Stay on The Keto Diet? Find Out the Secret!

What is a Keto Diet?

A Keto Diet, short for Ketogenic Diet, is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
A Ketogenic Diet forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. When there is less carbohydrate in the diet, the liver then converts fat into fatty acids and ketones. The ketones pass into the brain through the blood and replace glucose as an energy source. When there is an elevated level of ketones in the blood, you are said to be in a state known as “ketosis“. The goal of the Keto Diet is to get you into a state of ketosis.

Read More…

If You’re a Woman over 50, You Might Like My Blog

I’d love to have you subscribe to my blog! I write not only about ketones, but about all thing pertaining to women baby boomers. I do all I can to connect women over fifty with each other. You can visit Women Over Fifty Network HERE and poke around a bit first, or you can just subscribe below.

If you want to hear people’s stories about how Pure Therapeutic Ketones have changed their lives, see before and after fat loss pictures, get information how ketones affects/improves particular medical conditions, and so much more information…messsage me on Facebook and I’ll add you to a private Facebook group I’m in. You will be amazed!!

Until next time… Patti Huck image and signature

Keto Diet not Working for You? Try this Secret to Make it Easy.

Keto Diet not Working for You? Try this Secret to Make it Easy.

by | AGING, BABY BOOMERS, DEPRESSION, MEMORY, MIND & BODY, SLEEP

Keto Diet not Working for You? Try this Secret to Make it Easy.

What is a Keto Diet?

A Keto Diet, short for Ketogenic Diet, is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. A Ketogenic Diet forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. When there is less carbohydrate in the diet, the liver then converts fat into fatty acids and ketones. The ketones pass into the brain through the blood and replace glucose as an energy source. When there is an elevated level of ketones in the blood, you are said to be in a state known as “ketosis“. The goal of the Keto Diet is to get you into a state of ketosis.

What Foods Can I Eat on a Keto Diet, and What Food is Off-Limits?

You can search for Keto Diet and find hundreds of meal plans and recipes online. One site that I thought looked particularly good was Women’s Health. Since the Ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate diet, that means you need to stay away from sugar, pasta and bread.
Food You Can Eat (in general)
  • Fish, seafood, meat
  • Vegetables that grow above ground
  • Cheese and eggs
  • Natural fats
    • i.e (butter, olive oil, etc.)
Foods You Should Eat Sparingly
  • Pasta, rice, potatoes
  • Fruit
  • Beer, Soda, Juice
  • Bread, Cakes, Donuts, etc.
  • Candy, Chocolate, etc.

What’s The Big Hype? Why is It Supposed to Work?

The body has three sources of fuel it can burn to get its energy: Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat. Just as a car needs fuel in it’s gas tank that it burns to enable it to perform, we need food to provide us our energy to perform.  Sticking stictly to a Ketogenic Diet will eventually put the body into a state of ketosis.  When your body is in a state of ketosis, it means it is now burning fat to fuel your body.

How Do You Know When You’re in Ketosis?

Urine test strips are available, like the ones below, that will give you a reading letting you know when your body has reached a ketogenic state, or is in “ketosis“.

Buy now on Amazon

If It Sounds So Simple, Why Are So Many People Falling Off?

Because it’s hard!

The Keto diet’s original purpose was not for weight loss, but to treat epilepsy in children. Those on the diet had to be monitored strictly by a physician. So even if you think you’re following the rules of the diet, as it turns out, you may not be. According to my research, it is extremely difficult to get your body into a state of ketosis on your own through diet alone, and even if you do get to ketosis, you may not be there long enough to burn much fat.

So What’s The Secret?

Pure Therapeutic Ketones. You start dumping ketones into your body to get your body into ketosis faster. The video below shows how they work and what they do. It’s only 4 minutes and it’s explained very simply (no scientific language). Hit the play button on the man’s nose and give it a watch.

Oh, I Forgot The Best Part…

As I learned more about Pruvit’s Keto OS, one thing kept jumping out at me. Pruvit claims that Keto OS will get your body into ketosis within 60 minutes, (the state when your body is burning fat), EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT FOLLOWING A KETOGENIC DIET!!! Not saying that it wouldn’t help you and your body to follow the diet, but if you’re drinking Keto OS you don’t have to follow the Keto diet because ketosis will happen anyway. Yeah. I was ready to give this stuff a try.

How Do You Get Them?

I am one of the biggest skeptics you’ll ever find. In my next post I will be sharing what my experience has been with this product, but I’ll tell you right now that it’s basically changed my life. If you’ve decided to get better with ketones right away, and don’t want to wait to hear my story, I can help you. Choose your option below.

Want to Try Them First?

To purchase a 5-10 day trial, Just click the button below. Try all the flavors. Be reminded what it feels like to feel good.
Yes! Get Me Started!

Anxious to Just Get Started?

If you want to skip the trial and just get started, click the button below and let’s get you some ketones!
Order Your Ketones Now!

A Note To My Readers:

When I started Women Over Fifty Network I made a promise to myself that if I found a product that made my life easier, or in this case improved it, I would share it with you in hopes of it making your lives better. This is hands down one of those products.

I will never recommend a product I don’t use myself, or a product with which I haven’t personally had results.

Stay tuned for my next post about my experience with pure therapeutic ketones.

 

 

Patti Huck image and signature

Struggling with Keto Diet | Women Over Fifty Network
Women Over Fifty Who Travel Solo…Around the World. They Say You Can Too!

Women Over Fifty Who Travel Solo…Around the World. They Say You Can Too!

by | ADVENTURE, INSPIRING, PLAYING, TRAVELING | 5 comments

Women Over Fifty Who Travel Solo…Around the World. They Say You Can Too!

Have You Ever Wanted to Travel Solo? You know…just take off, all by yourself?

Have you always dreamed of traveling to exciting destinations. Flitting from here to there, drinking in the sights, experiencing the culture, actually seeing first hand all the exciting places you’ve only read about?

Are you a woman over fifty who would love to travel but circumstances have caused you to feel you’re not able to?

  • Is it because you have no one to go with you?
  • Are you afraid of traveling alone?
  • Is it because you can’t afford it?

What’s keeping you from seeing all the places you’ve always dreamed of? Do you really, really want to travel? The women you’ll read about below wanted it bad enough that they made it happen.

Most of these women felt the hardest part was just making the decision to do it. Some overcame their fear of traveling alone by first dipping their toe in with a short trip. Most dove in head first.

What would it feel like to sell everything you owned, stuff a backpack full of the only possessions you had left, and hit the road? No obligations and only adventure on your horizon?

The women below all travel. By themselves. They love it. In fact, they prefer it. Most of them are over 50.

  • Some are nomads with no permanent residence…going from one exciting destination to the next.
  • Some prefer luxury travel (but have found ways to experience luxury on a budget).
  • Some like getting into the nitty gritty of the cultures in places they stay, and live among the locals.

But what do they live on? How do they support their travels?

  • Some do house sitting. (House sitting in Italy? OMG, sign me up!)
  • Some work remotely at their regular profession from whatever country they’re currently exploring.  Play by day, fire up the computer and work by night.

They’ll tell you exactly how they do it.  The circumstances that caused them to make the decision to pack and go. They’ll tell you what it’s like to be completely on your own in a foreign country.

All of these women write blogs about their adventures. They share packing, safety, dining and etiquette tips for solo traveling that they’ve learned along the way. They share gorgeous photos from places some of us have only dreamed of going, and they tell us stories about their adventures.

They all have different stories, but the one thing it seems they are all saying is…

Anyone can travel, at any time, anywhere. You just have to decide to do it, and then DO IT!

So…grab your favorite beverage, settle in and prepare to be entertained. Clicking the red buttons will take you to each of their individual sites. Explore. Look at their photos. Visit the “About” pages on their sites to get to know them and their stories. I was fascinated. I’m sure you will be too. Enjoy!

Dyanne

Traveln Lass - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

TRAVELN LASS

So if it’s inspiration you’re after – a gentle nudge to make your own travel dreams come true, then you’ve come to the right place. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to think that my crazy travel tales (especially as a solo lass “of a certain age”) might inspire some other lass or lad (of any age) to follow their own brand of bliss, and just pop on a backpack and DO IT!

Note from Patti: This is one of my favorite sites. Dyanne is such an entertaining and engaging writer you feel as if she’s telling you stories over coffee. She’s down to earth and real, and just sounds like someone I’d love to know.

GO TO TRAVELN LASS
14 Women Over Fifty Who Travel Solo | Women over Fifty Network

Barbara

Hole in the Donut - travel solo | Women Over Fifty Network

HOLE IN THE DONUT

Working for years at a job she didn’t enjoy, Barbara kept asking herself “Who am I, why am I here, and what is my purpose in life?”After becoming ill and suffering for five years, she was finally diagnosed and treated for chronic Lyme Disease.

As soon as she was healthy enough, she left her job, strapped on a backpack, and traveled solo around the world for six months, determined to visit the places she’d always wanted to see.

Upon returning to the States in September of 2007, she rented an apartment in Florida and continued to travel more than half of the time, while simultaneously pursuing freelance writing opportunities. By the end of 2009 she was traveling so much that it made no sense to maintain a home base, so she sold or gave away her remaining furniture and hit the road full time.

GO TO HOLE IN THE DONUT

Sherry

Otts World - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

OTTS WORLD

I am currently in my mid 40’s and have been traveling and living on the road (yes, homeless) since 2006.  How did I become a digital wanderer, New Nomad, career break guru, and have the most enviable job in the world?

I’m Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveler. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. But it’s not just about travel, it’s also about life experiences of a middle age wanderer.

I quit my corporate IT job in 2006 and said goodbye to blackberries, meetings and New York City. My original intention was to simply take a career break and come back after a year and determine next steps.   I traveled around the world to 23 countries, finding a new exciting world outside of my office walls.  My eyes were opened to possibilities and the beauty of simplicity; I didn’t want to go back to my old corporate existence.  Instead I sold my possessions and relocated to Vietnam for one year  in order to keep traveling.  To make money I taught ESL, sold photography, and started really working at  building a blogging and writing presence, including launching my other career break travel website,

GO TO OTTS WORLD

Cheryl & Lisa

What Boundaries Travel - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

WHAT BOUNDARIES? TRAVEL

Before we started “What Boundaries? Live Your Dream!” we DID have normal jobs like everyone else. Really we did. But in 2007, we decided to sell everything and get an around-the-world plane ticket. This travel bug was only supposed to last 6 months, max. But somewhere along the way – we got hooked.

We’ve volunteered in South Africa and Mexico, WOOFed in Hawaii and New Zealand, and backpacked across Europe and Asia. So far, we’ve traveled to 5 continents, 48 countries and well over 250 cities. And we’re just getting started!

GO TO WHAT BOUNDARIES? TRAVEL

Leyla

Women on the Road - solo travel | Women over Fifty Network

WOMEN ON THE ROAD

Women on the Road is for women who are curious, smart, enterprising, enthusiastic, inspired or dynamic – women who want to see the world on their own terms, usually solo (though someone might occasionally tag along) but always independently.

Women on the Road is for women who are ready to take one big fat bite out of life and smack their lips in glee afterward.

Women on the Road shows you how any woman, of any age, can hit the road, on her own – and enjoy every minute.

GO TO WOMEN ON THE ROAD

Mary Jo

Traveling with MJ - travel solo | Women Over Fifty Network

TRAVELING WITH MJ

MJ, is a traveler, travel writer, podcaster, and publisher. When she’s not on a trip, she’s planning or researching the next one and has a bag always packed, ready for the next great adventure. Her travel ethos is Value Luxury – that sweet spot where experience and price intersect to create WOW.

GO TO TRAVELING WITH MJ

Tam

Travels with Tam - travel solo | Women Over Fifth Network

TRAVELS WITH TAM

When I became an emptynester, I began traveling more adventurously, and solo, as well as writing about my journeys, and thus Travels with Tam was born! My posts include many photographs, so if you love travel photography, food, wildlife and underwater photographs, you have come to the right place. I share stories about traveling, food, luxury hotels, adventure trips, scuba diving, and citizen science.

I want to inspire others to get out and see the world, to expand their knowledge and enlarge their perspective. You can travel and “do good” for yourself, others and our planet at the same time!

GO TO TRAVELS WITH TAM

Penny

Adventures of a Carry-on - travel solo | Women Over Fifty Network

ADVENTURES OF A CARRY-ON

I’m a professional makeup artist with a bad case of wanderlust, an eye for detail, a WSET certified wino, and yes, I’m addicted to Italy.

A curious person, I’m interested in learning, creating, self discovery, connecting with people, having adventures, and discovering beauty. Travel writing and photography are just a way for me to express myself.

Adventures of a Carry-on is a place I’ve created to fill with all the things I find  beautiful and inspiring – art, architecture, culture, people, food and wine and of course, travel!

What you will find at Adventures of a Carry-on

You might find me stomping through vineyards in the Italian countryside, or flying over Napa Valley wineries in a hot air balloon.

I will share first-hand accounts of the places I’m traveling to including; intimate details of tours, wineries, restaurants, hotels and more. Travel lightly, experience deeply is the way I like to roll.

GO TO ADVENTURES OF A CARRY-ON

Janice

Tracey

Solo Traveler World - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network
Janice: A love of travel, personal loss and an empty nest all conspired for me to begin Solo Traveler in 2009. Resonating with thousands of readers, it quickly went from personal to public and the Solo Traveler Project began. Janice has been called the doyen of solo travel.
Tracey: One day, when I had dragged Janice out to yet another food and wine event, I was explaining what was special about each of the components of our meal: where the vegetables had been grown, how the cattle had been raised, and why the soil and climate of the local region resulted in a stunning wine. She invited me to write my very first post for Solo Traveler.

Now, as Editor and Food & Wine Travel Columnist for Solo Traveler, I eat, drink, and cook my way around the world, sharing my (frequently wonderful, sometimes unusual) experiences with readers.

GO TO SOLO TRAVELER WORLD

Susan

Solo Trips & Tips - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

SOLO TRIPS AND TIPS

You are never too old to start traveling solo. I was already 30 years old when I took my first overseas trip alone. Actually, I was 29 years and 300+ days. I celebrated my 30th birthday while in Singapore.

There is no right way or wrong way to travel solo. Not everyone should become a nomad. Although I do think everyone should give solo travel a try at least once in their life! Even if you just get out and explore your own city alone, that too could be your start to solo travel my friend 🙂

GO TO SOLO TRIPS AND TIPS

Debbra

Tropical Travel Girl - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

TROPICAL TRAVEL GIRL

Tropical travel has become my passion. I’ve never met an island I didn’t like, although I’ve liked some better than others.  I’m often asked questions like, “What is your favorite island?” and “I’m thinking of going somewhere tropical on my next vacation. Where should I go?”

Through my destination content, blog posts, and photos, I hope to be able to help anyone interested in planning a trip to the tropics, and because every destination is different, I want to help you discover where your ideal island destination may be.

I’ll also be sharing information and advice about planning, packing, and how to navigate the ever-changing world of travel.

GO TO TROPICAL TRAVEL GIRL

Jennifer

Solo Travel Girl - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

SOLO TRAVEL GIRL

I founded Solo Travel Girl because I found myself traveling alone, not lonely. My personal experiences are meant to inspire and empower other travelers to shed their fears and travel solo. I admit to still having uncomfortable butterflies when dining alone in a chichi restaurant or participating in an activity geared toward couples or families but I shrug off my insecurities and indulge in the moment of discovery and adventure.

Topics I blog about include Florida, domestic and international travel, culinary, nature-based/outdoor adventures, solo travel, girlfriend getaways, product reviews and travels with a dog.

GO TO SOLO TRAVEL GIRL

Dr. Cacinda Maloney

Points and Travel - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

POINTS AND TRAVEL

I have traveled every six weeks of my life for over 25+ years.

A Doctor by profession, I gave up my career six years ago to travel the world even more!

Points and Travel is not your ordinary travel and lifestyle blog. We are a travel resource of content related to destinations about adventure, culture, and smart luxury travel–maximizing dollars for the greatest luxurious experiences.

Storytelling and photography are my two passions.  This is what I primarily do when I travel. Look for a great story about a place and then photograph it. My extensive travels have inspired me to write and share some of my extensive luxury travel experiences with you.

GO TO POINTS AND TRAVEL

Donna

Nomad Women - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

NOMAD WOMEN

The whole point of Nomad Women is to help you, inspire you and empower all you current and future mature, experienced, wonderful Nomad Women, to get up, get out and see the world!

If you have any questions or comments that can help me achieve that, I want to hear them!

GO TO NOMAD WOMEN
Do you know of any Over Fifty Women Solo Travelers that I missed? Shout them out in the comment below. Or if you’re a Solo Woman Traveler, be sure to comment with the name of your site!

Until next time…peace out.

Patti Huck image and signature

“This Ain’t Your Mama’s Wedding!” A Mother Reflects as She Helps Plan Her Daughter’s Wedding

“This Ain’t Your Mama’s Wedding!” A Mother Reflects as She Helps Plan Her Daughter’s Wedding

by | GUEST POSTS, LIVING | 5 comments

“This Ain’t Your Mama’s Wedding!” A Mother Reflects as She Helps Plan Her Daughter’s Wedding

I’m so happy to share this post by another member of the Women Over Fifty Bloggers community. Reading her story brought a tear to my eye remembering my own daughter’s wedding and feeling the same shock when helping her plan (and pay for) it. Time is definitely marching on and nothing seems to escape modernization. But…there are still some things that will never change. Enjoy Mary Jo’s story, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.

GUEST BLOGGER: MARY JO MARTIN

GUEST BLOGGER: MARY JO MARTIN

Blogger: Visiting the Gray Planet

Mary Jo is a happy-to-be 57-yr old blogger living in Denver, Colorado. She launched her lifestyle blog for middle aged women in April of this year. Her writing focuses mainly on aging parents, retirement and gray hair.

Mary Jo states that aging is like grade school math: “you’re going to add some things and subtract some things”. 

When confronted with the realities that growing older brings, she feels it’s easier when you have good information and you know you’re not alone.

Weddings Have Changed (and that’s putting it mildly!)

My daughter got married last summer which made me a first-time mother of the bride.

The night they got engaged was magical. I remember the young man who couldn’t quit smiling and the future bride glowing with love and excitement. Now I know what they mean by “love is in the air.” As I was glowing with pride and soaking this all in, the arresting thought that we would be putting on a wedding hit me. It was the first of many shocking realizations I was about to discover.

I got married in 1987 and had a lovely wedding very much in line with the standards of the ’80’s. Perms for all! My mother and I planned everything together. We bought 1 bridal magazine and talked to friends who had wedding experience. In a moment of liberalism, we let my groom-to-be choose his own clothes for the wedding. Other than that, his job was to have his mom call me so we could compile a guest list.

So imagine my surprise, when my future son-in-law wanted to be involved in planning his wedding. Apparently this is a thing now: couples planning their wedding together.

I was already a little off-kilter, this being the first wedding in my family with me a member of the older generation. While my daughter’s friends, in their matching bridesmaid dresses, were out on the dance floor, my friends from college and I were competing in the “most years married” contest.

As the planning process began, I couldn’t believe how much had changed since I planned my wedding…

Engagement Pictures

When did engagement pictures become a necessity? In the 1980’s, wealthy people occasionally did that for the newspaper but no one else did. Apparently now, this is one of the first things to be scheduled.

Invitations

While the happy couple was busy choosing coordinating outfits for pictures, I was contemplating the wording of the wedding invitations. Sadly, neither of their parents are still married (to each other anyway) so to include the names of all involved along with the date, would lead to a lot of extra wording on the fancy 5 x7 invitations with the scroll-y lettering… May eighteenth two thousand seventeen…you know, in the proper way that we did it back in the 80’s.

I was in for another surprise! The modern couple chose a tri-panel invitation that included no scrolls and no awkward listing of parent’s names. They filled the panels with adorable engagement pictures and information about the wedding. In addition, there were no RSVP cards! Nope. We do all that on line now.

When I was engaged,  my mom kept track of all my wedding guests on 4 X 6 index cards stored in a shoe box. A 4 x 6 card was big enough to keep track of the date the invitation was mailed, their response to the RSVP, the gift we’d received and when we’d sent the thank you. I kept this box for decades because it reminded me of the excitement of planning the wedding and of all the people who were there.

Wedding Website

Soon after the engagement pictures were taken, the groom-to-be started working on their wedding website. The website includes a small data base of guest information. This is necessary for sending emails and Facebook invites so all their friends could save the date.

There’s also a section for a biography of the couple and each attendant. This does takes some of the mystery out of the actual ceremony. We used to sit in the pews and speculate, “Is that the bride’s sister? Who do you think that man is?” Now we know everyone’s full name, how they met the bride and groom, and we are also able to read their messages of congratulations on the website.

Cakes

One very good development in wedding planning is cake tasting!

The Groom-to-be was out of town during the cake-testing event, so I got to go! The bakery had 60 different types of cake flavors. 60! We narrowed our choices down to 6 and emailed the bakery so they could prepare.

When I got married, my cake choices were white, lemon, and poppy seed.

Here’s a tip for cake tasting day: If you’re going to eat 6 cupcakes with icing at 10:00 in the morning, you are going to want milk. You are also going to want to lay down when you get home.

It is now becoming common to skip the cake entirely and have other fun desserts like pie or donuts. What? I thought marriage only became legal after the couple fed each other a delicate bite of cake! They tell me this isn’t true.

Getting Inspiration

I don’t know how modern brides (oh, and grooms) ever make a decision on anything with access to so many choices. Pinterest is inspiring, but it also raises the bar on individuality. In addition to picking a dress and attendants, the trend now is to have a wedding theme: “Island Paradise”, “Wedding in a Barn”, “Summer Romance”, “New Age Bohemian”.

Of course your guest book also needs to reflect your theme. Your guests may be signing a picture frame, a log, or possibly even a surf board. Gone are the stiff little white guest books of my day.

Reception

In the 1980’s, entertainment at the reception was limited to throwing the bouquet and watching your parent’s friend’s try to dance after a few drinks. Now we have photo booths and games. Signature cocktails and slide shows. Popcorn bars. Serve yourself candy tables.

When I got married, a first class wedding gave out Jordan almonds wrapped in netting and called it good.

Planning the modern wedding was an eye-opener for me, and a challenge learning to adapt to all the changes. But with the planning over, the big day had finally arrived.

The Wedding Day

The bridesmaids giggled and fixed their hair. The bride and groom’s families got acquainted; trying to make a good impression. The wedding guests gathered and reflected fondly on their own wedding day.

The Father-of-the-bride misted up as he walked his daughter down the aisle.

The happy couple made solemn vows and anticipated their future together.

They started their newly married status surrounded by the love and good wishes of friends and family.

You know…the way weddings have always been.

You can follow Mary Jo on Pinterest HERE, and visit her blog VISITING THE GRAY PLANET for other great stories.

Until next time…

Patti Huck image and signature

This Ain't Your Mama's Wedding | Women Over Fifty Network